Anniston council bans smoking in most public spaces

The Anniston City Council voted 4-1 to ban smoking in nearly all public buildings and even some outdoor areas.

Smoking will now be illegal in all restaurants and bars. It is also banned in all public businesses and workplaces as well as on outdoor playgrounds.

Bar owners say the expanded ordinance will likely drive most of their customers to Gadsden and Jacksonville, cities that still allow some degree of smoking in bars.

"The economy's bad enough, I don't know how much more we can take in this industry, with cutting against people that come to our establishments," Alan Stovall, owner of The Office lounge, said.

Others are counting the vote as a victory for health.

"Second hand smoke is a serious public health problem, and even the briefest exposure is harmful. We believe everyone has a right to breathe clean, smoke-free air," Ashley Lyerly with the American Lung Association said.

Council member David Reddick cast the lone "no" vote. He says he's nervous about being too restrictive.